What does “Big cheese” mean?
"Big cheese" means a person who is very important or influential.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's the big cheese in the company, making all the important decisions.
Example
The big cheese of the organization is coming to visit our office.
Example
Everyone wants to impress the big cheese at the event tonight
Is “Big cheese” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Big cheese” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Big cheese” effectively in context?
You can use "Big Cheese" to refer to someone who is very important or influential. It is often used in a somewhat informal or playful manner. For example, if you're talking about the CEO of a company, you might say, 'He's the big cheese in the company, making all the important decisions.'
- 1Work
The big cheese of the organization is coming to visit our office.
- 2Social Event
Everyone wants to impress the big cheese at the event tonight.
- 3Leadership
She worked hard and eventually became the big cheese in her department.
Similar phrases to “Big cheese”:
Head honcho
A person in charge or a leader
Example
The head honcho of the organization is coming to visit our office.
An important or influential person
Example
Everyone wants to impress the bigwig at the event tonight.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Big cheese” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Big Cheese" is unknown.
Is “Big cheese” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Big Cheese" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe someone who holds a position of power or influence.
What tone does “Big cheese” have?
"Big Cheese" conveys a tone of admiration or respect towards someone who is important or influential. It can also be used in a slightly playful or lighthearted manner.
Can “Big cheese” be used in informal and formal settings?
While "Big Cheese" is not overly formal, it is more commonly used in informal settings such as casual conversations or friendly discussions. It may not be as appropriate in very formal or professional contexts.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's the big cheese in the company.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Impressing the big cheese tonight!' to refer to the important person at an event.
